story structures

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This week I will focus on subtraction problem structures. There are two types: separate and compare. I suggest teaching these models separately. Also, some part-part-whole problems can be solved using subtraction. I will refer to the same terms as in addition: start, change, result. You can also use the same materials used with addition problems: part-part-whole templates, bar models, ten frames, two-color counters, number lines, and connecting cubes.

The goal is for students to see that subtraction has different models (separate vs. comparison) and an inverse relationship with addition — we can compose as well as decompose those numbers. Knowledge of number bonds will support the addition / subtraction relationship. Here is the same freebie I offered last week you can download for your math files: Addition and Subtraction Story Structure Information The six color anchor charts shown below are also attached here free for your use: Subtraction structure anchor charts

Separate: Result Unknown

Example: 10 – 4 = ____; There were 10 cookies on the plate. Dad ate 4 of them. How many are left on the plate?

Explanation: The problem starts with 10. It changes when 4 of the cookies are eaten. The result in this problem is the answer to the question (how many are left on the plate).

Teaching and practice suggestions:

Ask questions such as: Do we know the start? (Yes, it is 10.) Do we know what changed? (Yes, 4 cookies were eaten so we take those away.) How many cookies are left on the plate now? (Result is 6.)

Reinforce the number bonds of 10: What goes with 4 to make 10? (6)

Draw a picture to show the starting amount. Cross out the items to symbolize removal.

Show the problem in this order also: ____ = 10 – 4. Remember the equal sign means the same as — what is on the left matches the amount on the right of the equal sign.